Mike Arroyo Acts to Prevent Possible Arrest

Mike Arroyo Acts to Prevent Possible Arrest

Former First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo, accompanied by his lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, posted P30,000 bail before the 4th Division of the Sandiganbayan this afternoon after the government agency issued a warrant for his arrest in connection with the graft charges filed against him in in connection with the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp.

The former first gentleman also expressed surprise that the court issued the arrest warrant, even if the court has yet to decide on their motion for judicial determination of probable cause.

He also insisted that the Sandiganbayan is not the proper court to handle his case, saying he is not a government official.

Arroyo also said the pertinent provision of the antigraft law relevant to his case could only be violated by a public officer, and since he was a private individual, he could not be held liable.

The $329-million NBN deal, bagged by China’s ZTE Corp., was canceled amid claims that the contract was overpriced and that there were attempts by Philippine officials to collect commissions or kickbacks.